Characterization of shales using T1–T2 NMR maps

Abstract

Abstract Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxation methods are key techniques for evaluating shales, from both cores and logging data. First, very small pore sizes, down to nano-meter length scales, can be detected and quantified if the NMR tool has the ability to measure relaxation times in the range [0.1–1 ms], and second the different proton populations (water, oil, gas, and kerogen) can be distinguished using 2D T1–T2 maps. We use a NMR instrument working at a higher frequency (23 MHz) that yields a much higher sensitivity than standard plug-size benchtop apparatus. In this work, we show the position of each proton population in this map: hydroxyls from the clay (T2